At Domaine Françoise André, the Corton Les Renardes cuvée breaks away from the image often associated with this grand cru: wild, austere, even rugged. Facing due east on the northern heights of the famous Corton hill, the Les Renardes Climat is in fact one of the sunniest terroirs on the slope. The estate’s vines, around fifty years old, are rooted in deep, steep soils and produce small clusters. “They are exposed to the sun almost from morning until evening, and are among the first we harvest”, explains Jérôme Després, the estate’s technical director.
“We work on refining the tannins to preserve the delicacy of Pinot Noir. It’s a very subtle grape variety—you mustn’t try to harden it,” adds Lauriane André. This is a wine to be kept in the cellar for at least three or four years, and it will easily see out a decade of aging. For the more impatient, Jérôme Després recommends decanting before serving. A grand cru that pairs beautifully with a fine cut of beef, veal chop, or lamb shank. “I would avoid game—it marries better with more delicate dishes”, concludes Jérôme Després.
Also owner of vineyards in Corton-Charlemagne, Domaine Françoise André has become one of the benchmarks of the hill—a result of sustained work carried out over the past 15 years. In 2010, the André family took back direct control of the estate. Today, Lauriane André and her mother-in-law Françoise are at the helm. Their qualitative ambitions were clearly stated from the outset: organic certification as early as 2012, significant investments in the cellar (sorting table, temperature-controlled vats, etc.). “Our wines have gained greatly in precision,” observes Lauriane André.
Laurent Gotti
Color: dense, dark ruby with garnet tints.
Nose: beautiful fruit-forward profile with sour cherry, a hint of white pepper, bay leaf, and fine spices.
Palate: rich and fairly strong first taste. Evolves on a well-built mid-palate with savory notes. Polished tannins. Persistent and intense finish.
Pairing: veal chop with pink peppercorns.
Comment: a distinguished and characterful wine that will gain elegance with age.
